Improved key control for Cumbrian hospital

A hospital in Whitehaven is gaining high levels of security and key control with Union 6 pin masterkey system

Union, part of ASSA ABLOY Security, is supplying its keyULTRA system to the state of the art West Cumberland Hospital.

The hospital is based in Whitehaven, Cumbria and is set to open in October 2015. Facilities will include 261 beds; the majority of which will be in single en-suite rooms, cutting edge equipment including radiology machines and seven theatres.

Union’s keyULTRA 6 pin masterkey system, is being installed throughout the hospital, providing improved key control for NHS security and facilities managers.

keyULTRA masterkey cylinders possess one of the longest patents in the market, expiring in 2028. DuraPIN technology protects both the key and cylinder assembly from illegal duplication, providing the hospital with complete key control and permitting access to authorised personnel only.

Featuring self-lubricating materials designed to enhance its resistance to wear and tear, Union’s keyULTRA is ideal for busy hospital environments and can help to reduce maintenance costs, whilst ensuring the security product remains completely effective over a sustained period of time.

Steve Dougan, Estates Manager at West Cumberland Hospital, said: “When West Cumberland Hospital opens, it will have around 2,000 employees, including cleaners, medical consultants and catering staff, this combined with a vast number of patients and visitors, makes security and key management a high priority for us.

“This masterkey system from Union is an effective way of ensuring that no unauthorised keys are cut, therefore all facilities and security managers have knowledge of everyone with access to each area of the hospital.”

Ian Chapman, Regional Sales Manager at ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions, said: “keyULTRA provides the high security rating essential to safeguard the large amount of sensitive information and expensive equipment found in hospitals.

“The old West Cumberland Hospital previously had Union products installed; we are pleased that our product’s high performance has led to the estates staff wanting to continue with the Union brand in this new build.”

keyULTRA boasts enhanced features including the highest key related security, as per BS EN 1303:2005, along with resistance to bumping, drilling, picking and plug extraction. It is also approved for use on FD30 and FD60 fire doors in accordance with BS EN 1634-1.

The product has been successfully tested to over half a million cycles, guaranteeing performance. The system employs a strong durable key, with an easy to grip and oversized key bow to facilitate product use.